Estimate Mastery, The Podcast

Alena, Josiah, and Todd, discuss the importance of using your tools to make the your company the profits it deserves when working with insurance carriers.

Todd Beckman, an Exactware certified trainer, shares his expertise on securing Overhead and Profit (O&P) payments from insurance carriers for contractors. He breaks down the significance of overhead costs and discusses transparent methods to justify them. Todd explores the delicate dance between contractors and insurance adjusters, emphasizing communication with homeowners to advocate for fair compensation. He also highlights the importance of certification in enhancing claim handling, equipping contractors with essential strategies for success in the restoration industry.

High-quality photos are essential for enhancing insurance estimates and streamlining inspections. The discussion highlights the evolution of documentation techniques, including video recording for greater detail. Comprehensive photography during property assessments is crucial for securing proper compensation and reducing liability risks. The speakers share practical tips on using apps like CompanyCam to improve communication and streamline the photo management process for contractors and adjusters.

Josiah Hollibaugh, an estimating expert, joins Alena Wilson to tackle the frequently missed interior line items in Xactimate. They delve into how high ceiling paint charges and overlooked labor efficiencies can significantly affect profitability. Josiah highlights the importance of including testing fees for lead and asbestos, as well as proper documentation for insurance claims. Their conversation also touches on managing asbestos safely in renovation projects and the complexities of estimating retrofit window costs, emphasizing how these factors can alter project success.

Alena Wilson and Todd Beckman talk about the advantages of being Xactimate certified.  Come and to multiple Xactimate Certified Trainers discussing why it is so important to be Xactimate Certified!

Alena and Josiah talk about what Lump Sump pricing is and how it is changing the industry!

Alena and Josiah delve into how whitepapers from Verisk serve as crucial resources for contractors using Xactimate. They emphasize the importance of navigating overhead and profit to ensure fair compensation in negotiations. The discussion highlights how understanding the definitions of general contractors and subcontractors can shape pricing strategies, particularly in roofing. They encourage the use of these whitepapers to bolster claims and improve profit margins, showcasing the vital role of accurate estimation tools in the construction industry.

Alena and Josiah discuss which line items most roofers are not putting on their Xactimate estimate.  They discuss why the line item needs to be included, and when it should be included.  Also, there are a couple of bonus items.  Come and have a listen.

Alena and Josiah go through the what is up with the DMO vs RFG debate that has been ongoing for years.  We talk about what Verisk has said when discussing this particular topic.  

Our hosts, Alena Wilson and Josiah Hollibaugh, discuss how they got started in the insurance contractor industry.  Alena with 12 years of experience and Josiah with 16 years of experience give you some background on previous work experience.